Effect Of Folic Acid Supplementation Research Articles

Therapeutic effect of folic acid supplementation on type 2 diabetic rat model

Therapeutic effect of folic acid supplementation on type 2 diabetic rat model

Transcriptome Analysis of Effects of Folic Acid Supplement on Gene Expression in Liver of Broiler Chickens.

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin, and plays an important role in regulating gene expression and methylation. The liver is the major site of lipid biosynthesis in the chicken. Nevertheless, how gene expression and regulatory networks are affected by folic acid in liver of broilers are poorly understood. This paper conducted the RNA-seq technology on the liver of broilers under folic acid challenge investigation. First, 405 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 157 significantly upregulated and 248 downregulated, were detected between the control group (C) and the 5 mg folic acid group (M). Second, 68 upregulated DEGs and 142 downregulated DEGs were determined between C group and 10 mg folic acid group (H). Third, there were 165 upregulated genes and 179 downregulated genes between M and H groups. Of these DEGs, 903 DEGs were successfully annotated in the public databases. The functional classification based on GO and KEEGG showed that “general function prediction only” represented the largest functional classes, “cell cycle” (C vs. M; M vs. H), and “neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction” (C vs. H) were the highest unique sequences among three groups. SNP analysis indicated that numbers of C, M and H groups were 145,450, 146,131, and 123,004, respectively. Total new predicted alternative splicing events in C, M, and H groups were 9,521, 9,328, and 8,929, respectively. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and the top 10 hub genes were evaluated among three groups. The results of real time PCR indicated that mRNA abundance of PPARγ and FAS in abdominal fat of M and H groups were reduced compared with the C group (P < 0.05). Ultramicroscopy results showed that folic acid could reduce lipid droplets in livers from chickens. Finally, contents of LPL, PPARγ, and FAS in abdominal fat were decreased with the folic acid supplmented diets (P < 0.01). These findings reveal the effects of folic acid supplemention on gene expression in liver of broilers, which can provide information for understanding the molecular mechanisms of folic acid regulating liver lipid metabolism.

Folic Acid Absorption Characteristics and Effect on Cecal Microbiota of Laying Hens.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the characteristics of folic acid (FA) absorption in laying hens and the effect of FA supplementation on cecal microbiota. A total of 432 healthy hens (30-week-old) were randomly assigned to four diets supplemented with FA: 0, 1, 6, and 24 mg/kg of feed for 8 w. Blood, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and cecal chyme samples (six samples per treatment) were collected from the hens at the end of the feeding trial. Expression profiles of folate transport and transformation genes in intestine and cecal microbiota were detected. Results showed that serum folate level significantly increased (P < 0.01) with an increase in dietary FA supplementation, reaching a plateau at 6 mg/kg FA supplementation. The expression of FA transport and transformation genes was not affected in the cecum (P > 0.05) by dietary FA supplementation; however, it was affected in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and mostly showed a downward trend in treatment groups (P < 0.05). The genes affected include duodenal folate receptor (Folr) and dihydrofolate reductase (Dhfr), jejunal proton-coupled folate transporter (Pcft) and reduced folate carrier (Rfc), and ileal ATP binding cassette subfamily C member (Abcc2), Abcc3, Rfc, Folr, and Dhfr. Furthermore, according to the operational taxonomic unit classification and taxonomic position identification, the cecal microbiota population of the hens was not affected by dietary FA supplementation at the phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species levels (P > 0.05). However, the relative abundance of some microbiota was affected by dietary FA supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, FA transport from the intestinal lumen into enterocytes, and then into the bloodstream, is strictly regulated, which may be associated with the regulation of the expression profiles of genes involved in FA absorption. Pathogenic bacteria decreased in the cecum, especially at 24 mg/kg supplementation, but the beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacteriaceae) decreased at this level, too. Overall, FA supplementation at 6 mg/kg, which was selected for folate-enriched egg production, did not affect the health and metabolism of laying hens negatively.

Folic Acid Supplementation Improves Glycemic Control for Diabetes Prevention and Management: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: There is a growing interest in the considerable benefits of dietary supplementations, such as folic acid, on the glycemic profile. We aimed to investigate the effects of folic acid supplementation on glycemic control markers in adults. Methods: Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of folic acid supplementation on glycemic control markers published up to March 2021 were detected by searching online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and ISI web of science, using a combination of related keywords. Mean change and standard deviation (SD) of the outcome measures were used to estimate the mean difference between the intervention and control groups at follow-up. Meta-regression and non-linear dose-response analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between pooled effect size and folic acid dosage (mg/day) and duration of the intervention (week). From 1814 detected studies, twenty-four studies reported fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as an outcome measure. Results: Results revealed significant reductions in FBG (weighted mean difference (WMD): −2.17 mg/dL, 95% CI: −3.69, −0.65, p = 0.005), fasting insulin (WMD: −1.63 pmol/L, 95% CI: −2.53, −0.73, p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (WMD: −0.40, 95% CI: −0.70, −0.09, p = 0.011) following folic acid supplementation. No significant effect was detected for HbA1C (WMD: −0.27%, 95% CI: −0.73, 0.18, p = 0.246). The dose-response analysis showed that folic acid supplementation significantly changed HOMA-IR (r = −1.30, p-nonlinearity = 0.045) in non-linear fashion. However, meta-regression analysis did not indicate a linear relationship between dose, duration, and absolute changes in FBG, HOMA-IR, and fasting insulin concentrations. Conclusions: Folic acid supplementation significantly reduces some markers of glycemic control in adults. These reductions were small, which may limit clinical applications for adults with type II diabetes. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings.

Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers: A Grade-Assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

: BackgroundIt has been theorized that folic acid supplementation improves inflammation. However, its proven effects on inflammatory markers are unclear as clinical studies on this topic have produced inconsistent results. To bridge this knowledge gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of folic acid supplementation on serum concentrations of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Methods: To identify eligible RCTs, a systematic search up to April 2021 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. A fix or random-effects model was utilized to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Twelve RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that serum concentrations of CRP (WMD: −0.59 mg/L, 95% CI −0.85 to −0.33, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced following folic acid supplementation compared to placebo, but did not affect serum concentrations of IL-6 (WMD: −0.12, 95% CI −0.95 to 0.72 pg/mL, p = 0.780) or TNF-α (WMD: −0.18, 95% CI −0.86 to 0.49 pg/mL, p = 0.594). The dose–response analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between an elevated dosage of folic acid supplementation and lower CRP concentrations (p = 0.002). Conclusions: We found that folic acid supplementation may improve inflammation by attenuating serum concentrations of CRP but without significant effects on IL-6 and TNF-α. Future RCTs including a larger number of participants and more diverse populations are needed to confirm and expand our findings.

The Role of Folate-supplementation in Depression: A Narrative Review

Background: There is a relationship between the etiology and management of clinical depression and vitamin deficiencies. Aim: To review the effect of dietary folic acid supplementation on cause, severity and treatment of depression. Methods: A narrative review of empirical and theoretical literature on the effect of folic acid supplementation on the se-verity and treatment outcomes of depression. Result: Many enzymes and neurotransmitters depend on folic acid for optimal functions. The monoamine hypothesis of depression confirms the depletion of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The systemic level of methyl folate is dependent upon the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR], which is encoded by a polymorphic gene [C677T-MTHFR], as well as being dependent on dietary folic acid intake. However, folate has procarcinogenic properties because its coenzymes are involved in de novo purine and thymine nucleotide biosynthesis. Besides, folate deficiency in normal tissues may also predispose to neoplastic transformation, while folate supplementation may suppress the development of tumors in normal tissues. Epidemiological studies revealed that low folate status is associated with depression; especially in terms of severity and the outcome of antidepressant use. Conclusion: The role of folic acid in the etiology and the management of depression cannot be overemphasized. Folate supplementation has been yielding positive results in the management of depression.

Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

(1) Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of folic acid supplementation on oxidative stress markers. (2) Methods: Online database including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched up to January 2021, to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which examined the effect of folic acid supplementation on markers of oxidative stress. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model. I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity of RCTs. (3) Results: Among the initial 2322 studies that were identified from electronic databases search, 13 studies involving 1013 participants were eligible. Pooled effect size from 13 studies indicated that folic acid supplementation elicits a significant rise in serum concentrations of glutathione (GSH) (WMD: 219.01 umol/L, 95% CI 59.30 to 378.71, p = 0.007) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD: 91.70 umol/L, 95% CI 40.52 to 142.88, p < 0.001) but has no effect on serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) (WMD: 2.61 umol/L, 95% CI −3.48 to 8.72, p = 0.400). In addition, folic acid supplementation significantly reduced serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD: −0.13 umol/L, 95% CI −0.24 to −0.02, p = 0.020). (4) Conclusions: This meta-analysis study suggests that folic acid supplementation may significantly improve markers within the antioxidative defense system by increasing serum concentrations of GSH and TAC and decreasing serum concentrations of MDA.

Positive effects of folic acid supplementation on cognitive aging are dependent on ω-3 fatty acid status: a post hoc analysis of the FACIT trial

Although epidemiological studies suggest a protective role of B vitamins and omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids in cognitive decline, findings from intervention studies are conflicting. Mechanistic studies suggest that the ω-3 (n-3) fatty acid status can modulate the effects of B vitamins on cognitive decline. We investigated the interaction between baseline ω-3 fatty acid statuses and folic acid treatment on cognitive decline in a placebo-controlled trial [FACIT (Folic Acid and Carotid Intima-media Thickness)]. This post hoc analysis included 791 older adults aged 50-70 y with plasma total homocysteine≥13 µmol/L and≤26 µmol/L and serum vitamin B12≥200 pmol/L. Participants received 800 µg folic acid or placebo daily for 3 y. Global cognitive functioning and domain-specific functioning (episodic memory, information processing speed, executive functioning) were assessed at baseline and after 3 y. The effect of the folic acid supplementation was analyzed according to tertiles of baseline ω-3 fatty acid concentrations using linear multiple regression. The mean ± SD age of the study population was 60.2±5.6 y, and the mean ± SD Mini-Mental State Examination score was 28.6±1.5. The treatment effect of folic acid was significantly larger in participants in the low compared to high ω-3 fatty acid tertile for global cognition (difference in z-score: mean ± SE = 0.16 ± 0.059; P<0.01). Regarding domain-specific functioning, similar results were observed for information processing speed (mean ± SE = 0.167 ± 0.068; P=0.01). There were no overall interactions between folic acid treatment and ω-3 fatty acid tertiles for episodic memory (P=0.14) and executive functioning (P=0.21). This post hoc analysis revealed that the efficacy of folic acid treatment on cognitive functioning is dependent on the ω-3 fatty acid status. Individuals with a lower ω-3 fatty acid status at baseline benefited from folic acid treatment, while individuals with a higher ω-3 fatty acid status did not. The results potentially explain the inconsistency in outcomes of B-vitamin supplementation trials and emphasize the importance of a personalized approach. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00110604.

Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation for Reducing Methotrexate Side Effects in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: an Evidence-based Case Report

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease,indicated by a symmetrical erosive synovitis. Disease-modifying anti-rheumaticdrugs (DMARDs) are known to interfere with signs and symptoms of RA, improvephysical function and therefore increase patient productivity. Methotrexate is ananchor drug for rheumatoid arthritis patients, however, its related mechanism ofaction with folate deficiency resulting in some side effects, includinggastrointestinal and liver toxicity. Folic acid supplementation may reduce theseside effects. Method: A search was conducted on Pubmed, Cochrane, EBSCOhost,and ProQuest. After the selection of title and abstract was done using inclusionand exclusion criteria, which led to one relevant article. The selected study wascritically appraised for its validity, importance, and applicability. Result: Inrheumatoid arthritis patient receiving methotrexate, there was a statisticallysignificant reduction in the incidence of abnormal transaminase elevation (RR:0.19, 95% CI: 0.10-0.36), but the reduction in gastrointestinal side effects did notreach statistical significance (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.57-1.01) Conclusion: Folic acidsupplementation has an effect in reducing gastrointestinal and liver toxicity as sideeffects of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation on Haematology, Serum Enzymes and Hormone Profile in Gestating and Lactating Sows

Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation on Haematology, Serum Enzymes and Hormone Profile in Gestating and Lactating Sows

Witaminy z grupy B w prewencji niedokrwiennych udarów mózgu u chorych z nadciśnieniem tętniczym

Stroke remains one of the most common causes of death, especially for older people. with hypertension. In addition to known risk factors leading to stroke, more and more attention is being paid to the increased concentration of homocysteine in blood serum. Several studies show that patients who have had a stroke are characterized by a higher concentration of homocysteine in the blood serum than people of the same age and comparable blood pressure with normal concentration of this compound in the blood serum. It has long been known that the administration of folic acid and other B vitamins significantly reduces serum homocysteine. The first large randomized studies (e.g. NORVIT) did not show that increased B vitamin supply reduced cardiovascular disease. Later studies indicate, however, that supplementation with these vitamins reduces the number of strokes, but does not change the risk of coronary heart disease. A number of meta-analyzes clearly indicate that oral administration of folic acid by at least 10% -20% reduces the incidence of strokes in patients with hypertension in both primary and secondary prevention, especially in countries where folic acid is not mandatory in food products. In patients with hypertension and elevated folic acid levels and not treated with aspirin (e.g. primary prevention), the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in reducing stroke is even higher.

Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of folic acid supplementation beyond the first trimester on maternal plasma unmetabolised folic acid in late gestation

IntroductionTaking folic acid containing supplements prior to and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Neural tube defects occur prior to 28 days postconception, after which, there...

Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation and Dietary Protein Level on Growth Performance, Serum Chemistry and Immune Response in Weanling Piglets Fed Differing Concentrations of Aflatoxin.

Effects of folic acid and protein levels on growth and serum chemistry in pigs fed aflatoxin were determined in two experiments. Increasing aflatoxin (250 to 800 ppb) decreased (P < 0.05) weight gain and feed intake for both of the 35-day trials. In Experiment 1, increasing aflatoxin (0, 250, 500 ppb), increased linearly (P < 0.05) aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and ɣ-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Folic acid (0, 2.0, 5.0, 12.5 ppm) increased linearly (P < 0.05) serum K, Ca, P, Mg, and AST with the largest effect observed at 12.5 ppm. Folic acid decreased (P < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen (BUN): creatinine and Na:K. In Experiment 2, aflatoxin (800 ppb) increased (P < 0.05) glucose and GGT, and decreased (P < 0.05) Na:K and albumin:globulin. Increasing protein from 15 to 18% elevated BUN: creatinine (P < 0.05), albumin: globulin (P < 0.05), albumin (P < 0.05) and ALKP (P < 0.05). Folic acid (2 ppm) elevated (P < 0.05) BUN, and interacted with both aflatoxin (P < 0.10) and protein (P < 0.05) on BUN. Adding folic acid to aflatoxin contaminated diets improved some measures of clinical chemistry in Experiment 1 but not traditional growth performance measures. The higher protein level reduced the effects of aflatoxicosis on growth.

Effect of folic acid supplementation on proliferation and apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells

Folic acid (FA) is known to be an important micronutrient in humans; however, information regarding the effect of FA supplementation on bovine mammary epithelial (BME) cells is insufficient. FA supplementation is reported to increase milk production in dairy cows, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. This study examined the effects of FA supplementation on the proliferation and apoptosis of a BME cell line (MAC-T). MAC-T cells were treated with various concentrations (deficient in FA (DF) < 0.01 ng/mL; low-level FA (LF) 3.1 ng/mL; normal FA (NF) 15.4 ng/mL; and high-level FA (HF) 30.8 ng/mL) based on serum folate (10–20 ng/mL) in milking cows. HF treatment significantly increased the proliferation of MAC-T cells. Cellular apoptosis was observed mainly in the DF group. The number of apoptotic cells in DF media was significantly higher than that in NF media. The bcl-2/bax mRNA expression ratio was significantly increased in the HF group compared to that in the DF group. FA supplementation significantly increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein levels in MAC-T cells. FA supplementation increases proliferation and decreases apoptosis in these cells. This study might provide information regarding the molecular mechanism through which FA supplementation is associated with increased milk yield.

EVALUATION OF PLASMA LEVEL OF HOMOCYSTEINE IN THE PERIPHERAL AND PENILE BLOOD BEFORE AND AFTER FOLIC ACID SUPPLENTATION IN VASCULOGENIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION PATIENTS

Background: Erectile function may be secondary to much systemic illness, both physical and psychological, and is a well-documented side effect of prostatic cancer treatment. Objective: To asses effect of folic acid supplementation on homocysteine plasma level in either peripheral and penile blood before among vasculogenic erectile dysfunction patients. Patients and methods: This study included 22 Egyptian patients ranged from 30-60 years old with vasculogenic ED proved by penile duplex ultrasound. All patients subjected to penile Duplex ultrasound, peripheral and penile blood samples were for plasma homocysteine concentration evaluation before and after oral folic acid 500 mcg per day for 3 months. Results: There was statistically significant difference between either peripheral or penile homocystiene before and after. There was a significant increase in peak systolic value (PSV) after the treatment than its value before the treatment. Also, the end-diastolic velocity (EDV) before therapy was significantly higher than its value after therapy. There was a significant increase in international index of erectile Function-5 questionnaire after the treatment (15.5±3.3) than its value before the treatment. Conclusion: There was a significant relation between Hcys and either ED or penile arterial flow. From these results, Elevated plasma Hcys level was considered as independent risk factor for ED.

Serum folate metabolites, asthma, and lung function in a nationwide US study

In a U.S. nationwide study, a high serum 5-MTHF to UMFA ratio is associated with decreased odds of asthma, increased FEV1 in children and adults, and increased FVC in adults.

Folic acid supplementation regulates milk production variables, metabolic associated genes and pathways in perinatal Holsteins.

Perinatal period is the critical time in dairy cattle due to negative energy balance and high milk production stress. Being a key role in biosynthesis and methylation cycle, folic acid is considered essential for lactational and metabolic performance in dairy cattle. Thus, the current study was designed to evaluate the effect of folic acid supplementation on milk production phenotypic traits in periparturient cows. Transcriptomic screening was performed for milk production and metabolism-associated differentially expressed genes. The 123 cows having similar parity, weight and expected date of calving were randomly selected and divided into three groups; A (n=41, folic acid 240mg/500kg cow/day), B (n=40, FA 120mg/500kg cow/day) and C (Control, n=42). Folic acid was supplemented for 21days (14days pre- and seven days post-calving), and three samples of blood lymphocytes were taken on day seven post-calving from each folic acid-treated and control group. In addition, the milk samples for each folic acid-treated group have been collected at 2nd, 3rd and 4th month of lactation. The increase in average milk yield noticed in group B were significantly (p-value<.05) higher than C and A. However, the data showed no noteworthy differences for milk fat and milk protein among the three groups. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that folic acid treatment regulated many key metabolic-related genes (DGAT2, ALOX5, LAP3, GPAT3, GGH, ALDOA, TKT) and pathways (glycolysis, folate biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, etc.) in periparturient dairy cattle. It was concluded from the above findings that 120mg/500kg of folic acid quantity could be considered as a standard during the periparturient period to enhance the milk production performance of dairy cows. The transcriptomic profile revealed several metabolic and milk production-associated genes which could be a useful addition to the marker selection for the enhancement of metabolism and milk production of periparturient dairy cows.

Folic acid supplementation prevents high fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by activating the AMPK and LKB1 signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of folic acid supplementation in high-fructose-induced hepatic steatosis and clarify the underlying mechanism of folic acid supplementation.MATERIALS/METHODSMale SD rats were fed control, 64% high-fructose diet, or 64% high-fructose diet with folic acid for eight weeks. Plasma glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, lipid profiles, hepatic lipid content, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) were measured.RESULTSThe HF diet significantly increased hepatic total lipid and triglyceride (TG) and decreased hepatic SAM, SAH, and SAM:SAH ratio. In rats fed a high fructose diet, folic acid supplementation significantly reduced hepatic TG, increased hepatic SAM, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. Moreover, folic acid supplementation in rats fed high fructose enhanced the levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and liver kinase B (LKB1) and inhibited phosphorylation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) in the liver.CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that the protective effect of folic acid supplementation in rats fed high fructose may include the activation of LKB1/AMPK/ACC and increased SAM in the liver, which inhibit hepatic lipogenesis, thus ameliorating hepatic steatosis. The present study may provide evidence for the beneficial effects of folic acid supplementation in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Effect of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on brain health of the child at 11 years: the FASSTT Offspring trial

AbstractPericonceptional folic acid (FA) has an established role in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), leading to global recommendations for FA supplementation before and in early pregnancy. However, it is unclear whether there are any benefits for offspring brain health arising from continued maternal FA supplementation beyond the first trimester. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of maternal folate nutrition during pregnancy in relation to cognitive performance and brain function in the offspring at 11 years. The children of mothers who had participated in a randomised trial of Folic Acid Supplementation in the Second and Third Trimesters (FASSTT) were investigated, providing a unique opportunity to examine offspring brain health in relation to maternal folate (the FASSTT Offspring trial; n = 68). Cognitive performance was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth UK Edition (WISC-IV). The WISC-IV measures Full Scale IQ and specific domains of cognitive performance: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory and Processing Speed. Brain function was measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a subset of the child participants (n = 33). The results showed no significant difference in Full Scale IQ between the children of mothers who had received folic acid versus placebo during pregnancy (P = 0.993). Processing Speed subtest scores were however significantly higher in the folic acid group compared with placebo (Symbol Search: P = 0.046 and Cancellation: P = 0.011). The application of MEG analysis showed that at rest, there were differences in brain functioning with significantly lower overall power at Broad band [1–48Hz] (P = 0.041) and a trend (not significant) towards lower power in all other frequency bands (Theta, Mu, Beta, Low Gamma and High Gamma) in children from the FA group compared with placebo. Results for the responses to the language task (congruent and incongruent sentences) in children from the FA group showed significantly lower power within the Theta band [4–8Hz] and significantly higher power within high frequency bands i.e. Beta [13–30 Hz] and High Gamma [49–70 Hz]. This suggested more efficient language processing abilities in these children compared to children of mothers in the placebo group. The findings provide scientific evidence that continuing FA supplementation beyond the periconceptional period that is protective against NTDs, may be beneficial for brain health in the offspring. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that MEG is a useful tool for objective assessment of functional brain activity in healthy children in response to nutrition intervention.

Appraisal of Beneficial Effects of Oral Supplementation with Folic Acid during Curative Chemo-Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer: An Observational Study

Background: In people undergoing curative radiation treatment to the head and neck region the local effects like mucositis, dysphasia, dermatitis, salivary dysfunction and systemic effects like anaemia and leucopoenia are major issues. Folic acid is always provided when a patient has anaemia and is also regularly used in the care of cancer patients. However, literature study indicates that the quantum of beneficial effects of folic acid supplementing to patients undergoing curative radiotherapy are lacking. In lieu of these observations the present study was conducted to ascertain the beneficial effect of folic acid supplementation to head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing curative radiotherapy. Methods: This was an observational study and was carried out in HNC patients planned for curative radiotherapy. The folic acid levels were estimated at the start of the study. Patients who had folic acid less than 20 ng/ml were prescribed folic acid (5 mg TID) for the first two weeks. The incidence of mucositis, dysphasia, dermatitis, salivary dysfunction, anaemia and leucopoenia were analysed at the end of the study. For analysis we studied what is the effect in people who had folic acid less than and, above 5 ng/ml and analysed the results using the X2 analysis. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference (p = 0.03) was seen in the incidence of leukopenia in the volunteers who had less than 5 ng/ml of folic acid. A significant difference in the incidence of severe dermatitis (P = 0.04) and in weight loss (P = 0.02) was also observed. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that when compared to the patients who had folic acid less than 5 ng/ml, administering folic acid was beneficial in mitigating dermatitis, weight loss and leucopenia in people with folic acid above 5 ng/ml. More studies are required to ascertain the benefit of folic acid.